• Our Practice
    • Our Practice
      • Our Philosophy
      • Our Team
      • Our Facility
      • Philanthropy
      • In The Media
      • Technology and Products
      • Our Blog
      • Affiliates
    • Meet Our Surgeons
      • Meet Dr. Mahabir
      • Meet Dr. Kurtovic
  • Patient Testimonials
  • Patient Gallery
  • Cosmetic Surgery
    • Breast
      • View All
      • Breast Augmentation
      • Breast Implant Exchange
      • Breast Implant Removal
      • Breast Augmentation with Lift
      • Complex Breast Revision
      • Breast Reduction
      • Fat Transfer
      • Restorative Surgery
      • Poland Syndrome
      • Tuberous Breast
      • Gynecomastia
      • Nipple and Areola Surgery
    • Body
      • View All
      • Liposuction
      • Tummy Tuck
      • Mommy Makeover
      • Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
      • Fat Grafting
      • Thigh Lift
      • Arm Lift
      • Labiaplasty
    • Face
      • View All
      • Brow Lift
      • Eyelid Surgery
      • Ear Surgery
      • Facelift
      • Fat Transfer
      • Neck Lift
      • Mid-Face Lift
      • Skin Care
  • Restorative Surgery
    • Restorative Surgery
      • 3D Nipple Tattooing
      • Implant Reconstruction
      • Breast Reconstruction Overview
      • Genetic Mutations
      • Effects of Breast Radiation
      • Male Breast Cancer
      • Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction
      • Nipple Reconstruction
      • Oncoplastic Reconstruction
      • Refining Prior Reconstruction
      • Symmetry Procedures
  • Patient Resources
    • Patient Resources
      • Our Blog
      • Implant Education
      • High-Resolution Ultrasound
      • Fly-In Surgery
      • Financing and Insurance
  • Patient Portal
  • Contact Us
  • TUCSON, AZ
  • 520-415-2420
  • PATIENT PORTAL
SCHEDULE
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • OUR PRACTICE
      • Our Philosophy
      • Our Team
      • Our Facility
      • Philanthropy
      • In the Media
      • Technology & Products
      • Our Blog
      • Affiliates
    • MEET OUR SURGEONS
      • Meet Dr. Mahabir
      • Meet Dr. Kurtovic
  • TESTIMONIALS
  • GALLERY
    • BREAST
      • Breast Augmentation
      • Breast Augmentation with Lift
      • Breast Implant Removal
      • Breast Lift and Fat Grafting
      • Breast Reduction and Lift
      • Breast Revision and Implant Exchange
      • Cosmetic Breast Revision
      • Gynecomastia
      • Implant Revision
      • Implant Removal and Fat Grafting
      • Nipple surgery
      • Tuberous Breast
    • BODY
      • Fat Grafting Body
      • Liposuction body
      • Massive Weight Loss
      • Mommy Makeover
      • Thigh Lift
      • Tummy Tuck
    • FACE
      • Chin Liposuction
      • Eyelid Surgery
      • Facelift
      • Midface Lift
      • Skin Care
    • RECONSTRUCTION
      • Diep Flap
      • Direct to Implant
      • Genetic Mutations
      • Mastecotmy and Flat
      • Radiation Damage
      • Nipple Tattoos
      • Symmetry Procedure
      • Oncoplastic
  • COSMETIC
    • BREAST
      • View All
      • Breast Augmentation
      • Breast Implant Exchange
      • Breast Implant Removal
      • Breast Augmentation with Lift
      • Complex Breast Revision
      • Breast Reduction
      • Fat Transfer
      • Restorative Surgery
      • Poland Syndrome
      • Tuberous Breast
      • Gynecomastia
      • Nipple and Areola Surgery
    • BODY
      • View All
      • Liposuction
      • Tummy Tuck
      • Mommy Makeover
      • Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
      • Fat Grafting
      • Thigh Lift
      • Labiaplasty
      • Arm Lift
      • Weight Loss Body Contouring Surgery
    • FACE
      • View All
      • Brow Lift
      • Eyelid Surgery
      • Ear Surgery
      • Facelift
      • Fat Transfer
      • Neck Lift
      • Mid-Face Lift
      • Laser Skin Resurfacing
      • Skin Care
  • RESTORATIVE
    • Breast Reconstruction Overview
    • DIEP Flap Reconstruction
    • Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction
    • Implant Reconstruction
    • Oncoplastic Reconstruction
    • Genetic Mutations
    • Effects of Breast Radiation
    • Revision Reconstruction
    • Symmetry Procedures
    • Nipple Reconstruction
    • 3D Nipple Tattooing
    • Male Breast Cancer
  • RESOURCES
    • Our Blog
    • Implant Education
    • High-Resolution Ultrasound
    • Fly-In Surgery
    • Financing and Insurance
  • CONTACT
SCHEDULE

Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction | Tucson, AZ

Home   »  Restorative Surgery  »   Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction

When insufficient healthy tissue remains on the chest to complete a breast reconstruction, skin and fat can be grafted from another area of the body such as the thighs, glutes, or abdomen. This procedure is known as a natural tissue flap reconstruction.

  • What is Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction?
  • Who is a Good Candidate for Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction?
  • Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction Procedure
  • Abdominal-based Flaps
  • Pedicled TRAM Flap
  • Patient Reviews
  • Thigh-based Flaps
  • Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction Recovery
  • Contact Us Today
h
h
h
h
View Cases

Restorative Before & After Photos

Procedures are performed in a fully accredited surgical facility certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities Inc. (AAAASF), The State of Arizona, and Medicare.

What is Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction?

Natural tissue flap reconstruction is used when there is not enough tissue left on the chest way following a mastectomy or radiation therapy to successfully cover and support a breast implant during reconstruction. In these cases, using skin and fat from other areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, or glutes.

Who is a Good Candidate for Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction?

Individuals who are able to cope well with their diagnosis and treatment, do not have additional medical conditions or illnesses that may hinder the healing process, and have a positive outlook on restoring your breast and body image are often good candidates for natural tissue flap reconstruction. The best way to determine which type of breast reconstruction procedure is right for you is to schedule a consultation appointment at our office today. We will be happy to discuss your options with you to ensure you are comfortable with your decision.

Dr. Raman Mahabir, MD, FACS
& Dr. Silvia Kurtovic, MD

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEONS

We are excited to bring our expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to Tucson. Our mission is to provide you with an unparalleled experience by taking time to listen and understand your individual needs and concerns. We believe creating a custom-tailored plan based on your goals and unique anatomy is essential to achieving your best possible results.

learn more

Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction Procedure

There are a variety of different natural tissue flap reconstruction options available today. These include:

Abdominal-based Flaps

Pedicled TRAM Flap

This flap uses the muscle, skin, and fat from the lower abdomen to reconstruct a breast or breasts. In order for this new tissue to survive, it will need a new blood supply. This blood supply will be supplied by the underlying rectus muscle (also known as a six-pack muscle). The flap will stay connected to your rectus abdominis muscle and is tunneled up through the abdomen to the chest to create a breast.

Free TRAM Flap

This flap also relies on the blood vessels that travel through the rectus abdominis muscle. However, the muscle above and below the blood vessel in this flap is divided, so only a portion of the muscle is removed. The entire flap will be transferred to the chest, and the blood vessels from the muscle are connected to blood vessels in the chest using a microscope.

DIEP Flap

This flap uses the same blower abdominal skin and tissue as the TRAM and free TRAM flap procedures; however, it refrains from disturbing the rectus abdominis muscle and fascia. The small blood vessels that live within the tissue are skillfully identified and dissected through the muscle prior to being divided. Once they are divided, the tissue is then transplanted to the chest and the blood vessels are connected to blood vessels within the chest.

SIEA Flap

This flap uses the lower abdominal tissue and skin, but the blood vessels that supply this flap do not run through the abdominal vessel, but the fat. Because these blood vessels may not be present in all women, this technique is not performed as frequently as other flap procedures.

They are the most compassionate and empathetic doctors I have ever met.”

read more reviews

Thigh-based Flaps

Thigh-based flap procedures are often good options for those with small to medium-sized breasts. These flaps are also known as gracilis-based flaps, which are based on the gracilis muscle, which is located in the upper thigh. During these thigh-based flap procedures, a flap of skin, tissue, and blood vessels from the upper thigh will be moved to the chest to build a breast. Blood vessels will carefully be reattached using microsurgery.

There are a number of different names to describe the location of the donor site incision in the upper inner thigh, including:

TUG Flap

Transverse Upper Gracilis flap

VUG Flap

Vertical Upper Gracilis flap

DUG Flap

Diagonal Upper Gracilis flap

Gluteal-based Flaps

Gluteal-based flap procedures use skin and fat from the buttocks. During this procedure, a flap of skin, tissue, and blood vessels will be moved to the chest to rebuild the breast. Blood vessels are carefully attached using microsurgery. Because there is no muscle used in this technique, an SGAP flap is considered to be a muscle-sparing flap. The two most common gluteal-based flaps include:

SGAP Flap

Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator (located in the upper buttock).

IGAP Flap

Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator (located at the bottom of the buttocks near the crease).

Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction Recovery

Following natural tissue flap reconstruction surgery, gauze or bandages may be applied to your incisions. You may also be asked to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to help minimize swelling and support your new breast(s). Be sure to follow your doctor’s specific instructions when it comes to recovery for the best possible outcomes. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for your surgical sites, medications to take, and specific concerns to look out for during recovery.

Contact Us Today

If you are interested in learning more about natural tissue flap reconstruction, contact Tucson Plastic Surgery today to schedule your initial consultation appointment. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have!

Eyelid Suregry, Plastic Surgery

5 Benefits of Having a Browlift

As we age, our skin loses elasticity and collagen, which results in thinner, stretched-out skin and is often accompanied with permanent fine lines and…

READ BLOG
Liposcution

Who Can Benefit from Liposuction?

If you are living a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and exercise, it can be frustrating when you just can’t seem to…

READ BLOG
Breast Reconstruction

Can Belly Fat Be Used for Breast Reconstruction?

Written by Dr. Silvia Kurtovic Breast reconstruction surgery includes a variety of surgical procedures designed to replace breast tissue which is removed following lumpectomy…

READ BLOG

We have moved! Our new address can be found below.

PHONE
520-415-2420
FAX
520.448.9492
LOCATION

5230 E Farness Dr. Suite #104 Tucson, AZ 85712

HOURS

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

EMAIL
info@TucsonPlasticSurgery.com
Tucson Plastic Surgery BBB Business Review

Read Patient Reviews »

©2022 Tucson Plastic Surgery. All Rights Reserved

  • Privacy Policy
  • HIPAA Policy
  • Site Map
  • Accessibility Statement

Website Marketing & Design by

CALL
GALLERY
CONTACT
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
CLOSE